action pass unrewarded, any more than I would allow a bad one to pass
unpunished. I am now about to give you a much more important, and
perhaps dangerous, commission than has yet been intrusted to you. This
package contains official documents of the greatest importance, and I
want you to go down the river, and deliver it to the commanding naval
officer, whom you will find at Acklen's plantation, opposite the mouth
of Red River. I know there are rebels all along the banks, but whatever
you do, don't allow these letters to fall into their hands. There are
iron weights in the package, and if you should be in danger of capture,
throw it overboard. You will take passage on the army transport that now
lies at the stern of this vessel, all ready to start. I send the cutter
and armed crew with you, for the reason that the rebels may sink the
transport, in which case you can escape in your boat; for those letters
must go through, if possible; perhaps the success of this expedition
depends upon them. The transport, you will find, is in command of a
second-lieutenant. I should feel much safer if I could put one of my own
officers in charge, but, as the boat belongs to the army, I have no
authority in the matter. After you have executed your orders, return, by
first opportunity, to your vessel, and report to me by letter. Now, sir,
you may go, for they are waiting for you. Remember, I say the success or
failure of this entire expedition may depend upon you; and don't forget
that you are the young man that saved the Milwaukee."

Frank bowed himself out of the cabin, sprang into the cutter, and
started toward the transport that lay alongside of the bank, a short
distance below the flag-ship. As he stepped on board, he was met by a
flashy-looking young lieutenant, dressed in a brand-new uniform, who
greeted him with the inquiry:

"Are you ready at last? I have been waiting an hour for you. Business is